Antecedents, Decisions, and Outcomes for ICT Governance Adoption in the African Public Sector: A Systematic Review Based on McClelland Theory and ADO Framework

Abstract

Digital systems now serve as the foundation of institutional planning and service delivery. The public sector operates under various influential factors that complicate its ability to fulfil its mandates effectively. It is therefore important for these entities to adopt ICT governance to integrate ICT into business operations for effectiveness. This review identifies antecedents, decisions and outcomes that influence ICT governance and maps them to McClleland's theory of Needs. It also analyses the geographical and publication trends influencing ICT governance adoption in the African public sector. A systematic review was conducted using the SPAR-4-SLR protocol and the ADO framework. Peer-reviewed publications and grey literature from 2010 to 2025 were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science. The selected studies were coded and thematically analysed. The study's findings were categorised into structural, relational, and process pillars. The main finding suggests that relational mechanisms must be addressed for effective ICT governance. The findings, when mapped into McClelland’s framework, indicate that power needs to affect control processes, achievement needs to impact performance processes, and affiliation to provide the necessary conditions for effective ICT governance. It is imperative that leaders consider the factors to avoid symbolic representation of ICT governance in public sector.